Josh,
The lens is big. I have never really had somthing like that on my camera before. I wouldn't say that it hindered my ability to move or operate but it is not like my 55-200 in any way. Unless there was somthing in the way of me and the subject it was in focus every time with rapid quickness. The only negitive that I encountered was that on a few occations when cars were coming directly at me fast I ended up with the front of the car just a little soft.